Tone in Irish (Ton): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for tone?

The Irish for tone is ton (pronounced “tun”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is toin.

Q: What is the plural of tone in Irish?

The plural of ton is toin; with the article, na toin means “the tones”. The genitive plural is ton, as in raon na dton (the range of tones).

How to say “tone” in Irish

Irish:: ton
English:: tone
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “tun” /t̪ˠɔnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: toin (tones)
Genitive singular:: toin, an toin (e.g. airde an toin, the pitch of the tone)
Genitive plural:: ton, na dton (e.g. raon na dton, the range of tones)

What does “ton” mean?

“Ton” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

tone: A musical or vocal sound considered in terms of its pitch, quality or strength.Also: musical tone, pitch, sound quality.

1 other meaning:

2tone: A shade or tint of a colour.Also: shade, tint, hue.

“Ton” with the article

The plural of tone in Irish is toin. Here is ton after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ton

the tone

No change after an

na toin

the tones

Plural: no change after na

“Ton” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ton, the Irish word for tone.

Tá ton deas ag an veidhlín sin.

That violin has a nice tone.

Níor thaitin an ton sin liom ar chor ar bith.

I didn't like that tone at all.

D'athraigh sé airde an toin go mall.

He slowly changed the pitch of the tone.

Tá toin éagsúla sa phictiúr seo.

There are various tones in this picture.

Is maith liom ton mo ghiotáir nua.

I like the tone of my new guitar.

Bhí athrú beag i dton a ghutha.

There was a slight change in the tone of his voice.

Bain úsáid as raon leathan ton sa phéintéireacht.

Use a wide range of tones in the painting.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Tone in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tone?

The Irish for tone is ton (pronounced “tun”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is toin.

How do you pronounce ton in Irish?

Ton is said like “tun” (IPA /t̪ˠɔnˠ/).

What is the plural of tone in Irish?

The plural of ton is toin; with the article, na toin means “the tones”. The genitive plural is ton, as in raon na dton (the range of tones).

Why does ton change to thon or dton?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ton becomes mo thon (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dton (eclipsis).

Is 'ton' the same as 'tóin'?

No. 'Ton' means a tone in music or colour, while 'tóin' means bottom or backside, so take care with the long vowel.

Tone in Irish (Ton): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage